Armed police outside the house in Kaikohe.
Photo: RNZ

Armed police are guarding a house in Kaikohe after the town’s second shooting in less than 24 hours.

The incident occurred about 12.20pm on Tawa Street, leaving a man bleeding heavily from what was believed to be a single gunshot wound to the leg.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Fouhy of Northland police said the man was airlifted to Whangārei Hospital about 1.20pm in a serious but stable condition.

The injury was not life-threatening, he said.

An armed officer was guarding the property as a precaution while the investigation continued.

It was thought to be an isolated incident and the public are not at risk.

Police were following possible leads, Fouhy said. It was not yet known if the shooting was gang-related.

Fouhy said it was the second shooting in the area in less than 24 hours.

Overnight, a man was shot in the neck with an air rifle in a rural area south of Kaikohe.

He had been flown to Auckland Hospital for surgery and was also in a serious but stable condition.

Fouhy said he was “very lucky” the outcome was not worse.

The two incidents were not related, he said.

It is understood the offender left the Tawa Street incident in a ute.

About 1pm several police were seen travelling at speed towards State Highway 10 on the east coast.

Police responded to the Tawa Street shooting from around the Far North, including officers stationed at Waitangi for Treaty commemorations.